Gloucester 36-27 Bath

Gloucester (23) 36
Tries: Simpson-Daniel 2, Sharples, Lawson Cons: Spencer, Barkley Pens: Spencer, Barkley 3

Bath (17) 27
Tries: Hawkins 2, Higgins Cons: James (3) Pens: James 2

Simpson- Daniel showed the form that saw him called up by England

James Simpson-Daniel scored two tries as Gloucester beat Bath to stretch their lead at the top of the table.

Rob Hawkins' try put Bath on top before Simpson-Daniel bagged his brace and set up another for Charlie Sharples.

Hawkins added his second try before Olly Barkley's kicking extended Gloucester's lead before the break.

Rory Lawson's try earned Gloucester a bonus point before Bath's Andrew Higgins scored but any comeback hopes died when Alex Crockett was sent off.

Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan:
"I thought they were tremendous. I'm disappointed they got a try, with us falling asleep - but those things happen.

"It was a fantastic game which both sides threw themselves into.

"When you consider we have players who are not here because of the Six Nations - and they have a few as well - then credit to both clubs."

Bath head coach Steve Meehan:
"Three minutes in the first half, we gave away 14 points - and there were 25 minutes in the first half where we didn't control the ball.

"We didn't put them under enough pressure so we were frustrated at some of the decisions that went against us and some not being made at all.

"We are bitterly disappointed to come away with nothing."

Gloucester: Morgan; Balshaw, Simpson-Daniel, Allen, Sharples; Spencer, R Lawson; Wood, Azam, Somerville, Eustace, Brown, Satala, Hazell, Delve.
Replacements: Barkley for Simpson-Daniel (33). Not Used: Titterrell, Forster, Wright, Williams, Lamb, Foster.

Sin Bin: Allen (41), Wood (61)

Bath: Maddock; Higgins, Crockett, Fuimaono-Sapolu, Banahan; James, Claassens; Barnes, Hawkins, Bell, Harrison, Short, Beattie, Scaysbrook, Browne.
Replacements: Bemand for Claassens (1), Hooper for Short (65), Faamatuainu for Browne (65). Not Used: Lilley, Jarvis, Berne, Stephenson.

Sin Bin: Crockett (13)

Sent Off: Crockett (63)

Att: 16,500

Ref: Wayne Barnes (England)